Co–Al mixed metal oxides/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite prepared via a precursor route and enhanced catalytic property

The present work reported the synthesis of Co–Al mixed metal oxides/carbon nanotubes (CoAl-MMO/CNT) nanocomposite from Co–Al layered double hydroxide/CNTs composite precursor (CoAl-LDH/CNT). The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), low temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption experiments, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG–DTA), Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that in CoAl-MMO/CNT nanocomposite, the nanoparticles of cobalt oxide (CoO) and Co-containing spinel-type complex metal oxides could be well-dispersed on the surface of CNTs, thus forming the heterostructure of CoAl-MMO and CNTs. Furthermore, as-synthesized CoAl-MMO/CNT nanocomposite was utilized as additives for catalytic thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). Compared to those for pure AP and CoAl-MMO, the peak temperature of AP decomposition for CoAl-MMO/CNT was significantly decreased, which is attributed to the novel heterostructure and synergistic effect of multi-component metal oxides of nanocomposite.

Hybrid Co–Al mixed metal oxides/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite showed the enhanced catalytic activity in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate, as compared to carbon nanotubes and pure Co–Al mixed metal oxides.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Co–Al mixed metal oxides/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite was synthesized.
► Co–Al mixed metal oxides consisted of cobalt oxide and Co-containing spinels.
► Nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the decomposition of AP.
► The superior catalytic property is related to novel heterostructure and composition.